Retired Chicago firefighter Patrick McDermott, who saved 3 girls from burning building, finds kidney donor with ABC7 I-Team's help
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — In February, the ABC7 I-Team met with Patrick McDermott, a retired Chicago firefighter in desperate need of a kidney.

Dozens of ABC7 viewers saw his story and reached out and volunteered to donate their kidney to save his life.

McDermott has now found a kidney donor.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

People from all over the country saw McDermott’s story and were determined to help.

The retired firefighter says a man in Arizona saw the story on social media and wanted to help save his life.

“When I found out, it shocked me,” McDermott said. “I was totally depressed. I felt my mortality. I felt there was nothing I could do but die.”

I’m humbled by it. I’m moved to tears by it… ABC viewers, from a humble Chicago retired firefighter, thank you is not enough.

Patrick McDermott, retired CFD firefighter battling kidney disease

McDermott dedicated his life to the Chicago Fire Department, spending decades rescuing others.

“This was for saving three kids in a fire off-duty,” McDermott said while looking through his accolades. “They were seven floors up.”

Currently, McDermott finds himself in need of a lifesaver as his kidneys are deteriorating, and none of his relatives, including his wife, are suitable donors. In an effort to find help, he reached out to ABC7, hoping his plea would reach the right ears.

“I pray every night,” McDermott said. “We do two prayers every night, and it’s out of my hands. We have to give it to God.”

After the story aired, people from across the Chicago area and the country called and wrote in, wanting to give McDermott a kidney.

“I’m humbled by it. I’m moved to tears by it,” McDermott said. “The University of Chicago told me in one day they had 50 people call in.”

“I just didn’t realize there were still so many compassionate people around,” said his wife, Carol McDermott. “For someone to offer assistance without even knowing you, it truly feels like a divine intervention.”

A man from Arizona saw the story on social media and reached out to the couple directly. He believed he would be the one to help McDermott.

Previously, he had joined the National Kidney Registry’s Voucher Program, registering as an altruistic kidney donor, meaning he gave his kidney to an unknown recipient. This act allowed him to designate several people to receive priority in finding a matching living donor, and McDermott arranged his list accordingly.

“What he has done is open the door for not only me to get a kidney, but maybe five other people to be moved to the top of the list,” McDermott said.

Weeks later, a living kidney donor was found for McDermott. ABC7 don’t know who that donor is yet, and neither do the McDermotts, but they are grateful to everyone who helped make this possible.

“ABC viewers, from a humble Chicago retired firefighter, thank you is not enough,” McDermott said.

McDermott’s kidney transplant surgery is scheduled for the end of the month at UChicago medicine.

ABC7 will be checking in with him and is wishing him a successful procedure.

Sam is on your side. If there’s something you’d like Samantha Chatman to investigate, give her a call at 312-750-7TIP.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Boeing settles with a man whose family died in a 2019 crash in Ethiopia

Boeing Reaches Settlement with Man After 2019 Ethiopian Crash that Killed His Family

The tragic 2019 crash claimed the lives of all 157 passengers, including…
Rotting toe found in box on Washington beach

Decaying Toe Discovered in Box on Washington Shoreline

A Tacoma, Washington, man found a gift-wrapped severed human toe while celebrating…
Gervonta Davis arrested in Miami on domestic violence charge

Gervonta Davis faces arrest in Miami for domestic violence allegations

Police say the charge was connected to an incident that occurred last…
Parents face possible arrest, steep fines in military town's tough new approach to combat youth crime

Military Town Implements Strict Measures to Tackle Youth Crime, Including Potential Arrests and Fines for Parents

To curb rising youth violence, city leaders in Fayetteville, North Carolina, are…
‘Ruthless’ Actor Derek Dixon Speaks Out on Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Tyler Perry: “I Couldn’t Stay Silent Anymore”

Actor Derek Dixon Breaks Silence on Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Tyler Perry: “I Had to Speak Up”

Derek Dixon, most recognized for portraying Dale in Tyler Perry’s shows Ruthless…
Child predator among more than 300 nabbed in cannabis farm ICE raid, largest of Trump's second term

Over 300 Arrested, Including Child Predator, in Major ICE Cannabis Farm Raid During Trump’s Second Term

Federal authorities have announced that over 300 undocumented individuals were detained on…
Man holding photos of murder suspect, mistakenly identified as suspect.

Travis Decker Doppelgänger Claims He ‘Spent Night Near Murderer’ While Evading Police for Days During Manhunt

A MAN mistaken for accused child killer Travis Decker has spoken out…
President Trump speaking to the press.

Trump Imposes 30% Tariffs on EU and Mexico; Trade Deal Hopes Diminish

DONALD Trump has announced the EU and Mexico are set to face…
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron shaking hands at a press conference.

Concerns Rise Over UK’s Potential Dilemma as France Chooses Which Migrants Are Returned Under New Exchange Deal

FRANCE will have the option to select which migrants to accept under…
Hamas working to 'sabotage' Trump-backed aid group with 'fake news': Israeli official

As US-supported group provides 70 million meals, UN and NGOs work to undermine competing Gaza aid organization

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by the U.S. and Israel, has…
Surprise witness in Idaho student murders says she 'saw Bryan there' on deadly night

Bryan Kohberger Thought He Pulled Off ‘The Perfect Murders’—But One Crucial Error Exposed Him, Says Author

Bryan Kohberger, described as a painfully awkward and arrogant introvert and a…
2025 Cinema Femme Short Film Festival at Music Box Theatre in Lakeview, Chicago elevates voices of marginalized filmmakers

2025 Cinema Femme Short Film Festival Elevates Marginalized Filmmakers at Music Box Theatre, Lakeview, Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — The 2025 Cinema Femme Short Film Festival returns July…